Little Lever School
Bolton, BL3 1BT · Bolton · secondary school
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10th of 20 secondary schools in Bolton we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.8/10 against 827 of them, against 6.5/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 19 | 35% | 0.66 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 56.7 · 76 | 30% | 2.29 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.13 · 59 | 25% | 1.48 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.8 · 49 | 10% | 0.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Little Lever School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.13 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including Singing, Dance, Darts, Eco, BSL, Lego, Gaming, and Knit and Natter. Sports options include Football, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, and Chess. Arts and music provision covers guitar, drums, piano, brass, vocals, and the Wind Band. Trips include a ski trip to Austria, visits to the Manchester City Art Gallery and Chester Zoo, and theatre trips to Bolton Octagon and the Royal Exchange. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,085 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the
What Ofsted said about Little Lever School
Overview
Little Lever School provides a high-quality education where pupils benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" and "highly effective teaching." The report highlights a calm, purposeful environment where staff have "positive and respectful relationships" with pupils, ensuring they feel safe and supported. While overall outcomes are strong, the report notes that attendance rates remain below national averages and some pupils require further support to manage their own behaviour independently.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "implemented consistently well," ensuring pupils develop a "deep understanding" and secure knowledge across subjects.
- Teachers are described as "experts in their subjects" who use "robust techniques" to identify and close gaps in pupils' knowledge.
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive "carefully monitored" support that allows them to access the same opportunities as their peers.
- The school environment is "calm and purposeful," with bullying and unkind behaviour being rare and dealt with "quickly and effectively."
- Leaders have established a comprehensive personal development programme that helps pupils understand "fundamental British values" and stay safe online and offline.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure strategies are in place to help pupils "sustain consistently high attendance rates" so they benefit fully from their education.
- Leaders should ensure pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, develop the "self-discipline and skills required to manage their own behaviours and emotions."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.8 |
| 2024/25 | 46.2 |
| 2025/26 | 45.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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